The realities of ‘free’ healthcare in Ireland
THE LAST WORD By Pat Coughlan The term ‘free healthcare’ suggests medical services with no charge, but reality is more complex. While certain services have no direct cost to patients, not all are without charge. The Health Service Executive (HSE) defines ‘free’ care as covering essentials like GP visits for children under six, the elderly, …
Connolly’s Red Mills Race Day 2025
A resounding success Photographs by Kieran Harnett Connolly’s Red Mills Race Day 2025, held on Saturday, February 15, at Gowran Park, was a resounding success, attracting a large crowd of racing enthusiasts and fashion aficionados. The event featured top-class racing, including the Grade 2 Red Mills Hurdle and the Grade 3 Red Mills Chase, both …
Celebrating one year of TJ Reid Health & Fitness in Castlecomer
A milestone of strength, community, and wellness As we mark the first birthday of TJ Reid Health & Fitness, located in the heart of Castlecomer, Kilkenny, we reflect on a year filled with remarkable transformations, unwavering commitment, and a blossoming sense of community. Our small group training facility has become a haven for individuals seeking …
Cllr Joe Lyons welcomes the recent funding for Safety Works across the Callan Thomastown Municipal Area
Cllr Lyons has worked hard to secure an allocation of €27,500 towards a project that will make safer the junction at Ballyhall Cross, situated at the end of the New Line, below Callan Golf Club. For many years, Councillor Lyons said, this has been a dangerous junction, too many accidents have occurred at this junction …
Probiotics for Kids
BY CLAIR WHITTY Common childhood conditions that probiotics can support include: constipation, colic, eczema and allergies. Having a balanced gut microbiome with healthy levels of friendly bacteria may also help support immunity and reduce the frequency and duration of popular nursery and school bugs, such as the common cold. Re-establishing a child’s levels of friendly …
Cllr Dollard’s response to Ring Road funding
“I am happy to see the progress on the Ring Road by Kilkenny County Council Although it was disappointing to see no funding application go to the Department in 2023, a funding application and the relevant documentation and reports were finalised in 2024, clearing the way for the approval of this very welcome funding of €200,000 …
The Tans arrive in Kilkenny
Continuing the story of how a planned attack on the well-defended Woodstock House unraveled… BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part three) No sooner had Ernie O’ Malley woken the next morning when word reached the Hanrahans that a large military force appeared to be heading in their direction. James Hanrahan’s sister warned that the enemy could soon be on their doorstep. Incredibly, O’ Malley reacted …
Rediscover the timeless tale of ‘Hare & Tortoise’
Barnstorm Theatre Company is delighted to announce its latest production, a heart warming and enchanting adaptation of the beloved Aesop’s fable, The Tortoise and the Hare, set to run from 24 February to 14 March 2025. This timeless story, reimagined by award-winning playwright Brendan Murray, will captivate audiences of all ages at The Bank on …
NEW LACKEN BOARDWALK ALONG THE BANK OF THE RIVER NORE!
Photographs by Vicky Comerford A big crowd turned out to mark the official reopening of the Lacken Boardwalk on the banks of the River Nore, just downstream from Kilkenny City Centre, on Monday the 17th February 2025. Kilkenny City’s first composite construction boardwalk was officially opened by the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Michael McCarthy …
Treaty in town for league clash!
Cats look to build on Wexford win against Kiely’s Limerick BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE Allianz Hurling League Division 1A Kilkenny vs Limerick UPMC Nowlan Park, Sunday, 1:45pm Referee: Colm Lyons (Cork) When the fixtures were released for this seasons Allianz Hurling League Division 1A, many eyes on Noreside would have been drawn to …
